A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT BY ALEXANDER DERKACHENKO

Nezumi, the Japanese word for rat or mouse, is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac, because it swiftly jumped in front of the ox. Derkachenko masterfully captured its lively nature, as exhibited by the finely carved fur, tail, ears and dark eyes. There are two amusing details: the creature’s front paws are placed on the key to the padlock in a way that suggests it knows how to use this equipment; and its tiny teeth. Derkachenko’s signature is found on the underside of the padlock.